Chappell Roan Did Medieval Cosplay at the VMAs, Complete With Sword Nails

While it’s always fun to guess what a celebrity will wear to an awards show, Chappell Roan is perhaps the one, true mystery we still have going for us in this day and age. It’s not a bad thing to have a signature look (for example, we know Sabrina Carpenter will have a great blowout and doe eyes even if we don’t know who’s designing her gown), but Roan is a true mystery. Will she show up as the Statue of Liberty? (Probably not, as she’s already done that.) Choose a meat dress homage to Lady Gaga? (It’s possible.) Or choose one of the themes from her Midwest Princess tour? (Pink cowgirl, space, angels, slumber party, devils, nuns, and rainbow are all approved options).

At the 2024 VMAs—which took place at New York’s UBS Arena on September 11—the “Casual” singer appeared on the red carpet ahead of her performance wearing an ode to Arthurian times. As per usual, she was styled by Genesis Webb—and likely had her own hands in her hair and makeup.

To begin, her red hair was styled in a romantic, medieval braid that wrapped around itself on the back of her head before cascading into smaller braids and waves outfitted with lace trimmings. In front, she showed off major curtain bangs that transitioned into some excellent face framing—all the better to show off the artistry that was her makeup, of course.

Working in stark contrast with her incredibly light base makeup color (I’d love to meet the powder puff that pulled that off), the 26-year-old chose a brick red lip that transitioned to a deeper red color at the center of her pout. Her eyes were full of dazzling jewel tones, with purples and blues on the top and some perfectly placed gold shadow and mascara fall-out rimming the bottom of her eye. Thin brows—and just a touch of orange-y blush—completed the look.

Posing with a sword, her Juan Alvear-crafted nails were bedecked in what one might call a mini-sword manicure. Each finger featured an extra-long extension that started off gold before transitioning into an extra-sharp silver stiletto. They also each featured a pearl, tying back to the romantic feel of her outfit, a sheer gown that showed off suit-of-armor style boots and was paired with a green embroidered cloak.

Yeah, it’s her (k)night.